🔗 Share this article

Through a major move to bolster its long-term defense, the Ukrainian government has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire up to 100 Rafale warplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defence systems and other essential gear from France. The agreement was formalized by Ukrainian president Zelenskyy and French president Emmanuel Macron during a joint news conference at the Elysée presidential palace. The Ukrainian leader referred to the arrangement as “a historic agreement.”

Against Their Will Taken Minors: Relatives Lose Communication

A number of relatives of Ukrainian minors who were taken against their will to Russia have sounded the alarm about their well-being, stating that every line of communication has been cut off. During a rare news conference in Paris, Darina Repina, who cares for two children taken after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, stated that Russian authorities are ignoring every appeal to facilitate the minors' return.

Drone Attack Targets Turkish-Flagged Vessel in Southern Ukraine

A drone struck a Turkey-registered tanker and caused a fire in the southern part of Ukraine's Odesa region, officials said. This event took place just a day after Zelenskyy approved a agreement to bring in American LNG through the area. The vessel was struck while offloading liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail harbor, according to Turkey's Directorate for Maritime Affairs. All 16 crew on board evacuated and not a single person was hurt.

Romania's Authorities Evacuate Communities Following Drone Attack

Romanian officials said they had relocated two villages close to the Ukraine border following the drone attack on the tanker. After invading the country in recent years, Russian forces has repeatedly targeted Ukraine's harbors in the Danube River area, causing alerts in neighbouring Romania.

US President Donald Trump Open to Sign Russian Sanctions Bill

US president Donald Trump is prepared to sign a bill to enact sanctions on Russia, provided that he keeps final decision-making authority over any such measures, a senior U.S. administration representative said. Trump told reporters late on Sunday that it was “OK with me” that Republicans were working on a bill to apply restrictions on nations engaging commercially with Moscow over its failure to reach a peace deal with the Ukrainian government.

Poland's Leader Calls Railway Blast an “Unprecedented Act of Disruption”

Poland's leader, Donald Tusk, has described an explosion along a part of railway line used for shipments to Ukraine as an “unprecedented instance of disruption” that could have led to disaster. These remarks coincided with a announcement from legal authorities saying that an inquiry had been initiated “concerning acts of disruption of a terrorist nature […] committed on orders of a external spy service against the nation of Poland.”

China Leader Shows Willingness to Deepen Cooperation with Russia

China is ready to deepen cooperation with Russia in energy, farming and other investments, Leader Li stated during a meeting with Russia's leader Mishustin in Moscow. The Chinese premier told his counterpart that the country is open to more farm and food goods from the nation, according to the official media outlet. The Chinese side also hopes that Moscow will make it easier for Chinese enterprises to invest and operate in Russia, the report cited. Mishustin assured Li that the cooperation between the two sides has repeatedly demonstrated its strength to external challenges.